Turnout at Presley’s memorial hailed as reflective of level of admiration for him

Presley Chweneyagae’s friends, relatives, fans, and colleagues gathered in large numbers at the State Theater’s drama hall in Pretoria, donning orange ribbons attached to their lapels, filling both the hall and foyer to pay tribute to him.

South African actor, Thato Moraka, was the MC at the memorial service.

He described the huge turnout as a reflection of how much Chweneyagae was admired.

Moraka, who co-starred with the late 40-year-old in various theatre pieces, including Hamlet and Silent Voice, described the event as well-curated.

“This was a well-off celebration and I think that’s why when I was on stage I said on his last show, he filled up; like it over flowed. That just showcases what kind of character he was and most importantly the impact of his work,” said Moraka.

He described Chweneyagae, also known as Tobetsa, as a people’s person who treated everyone equally, regardless their of their social status.

The writer and director of the 2005 Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, Gavin Hood, says Chweneyagae’s character in the film demonstrated the power of unity.

Hood did his best to remain collected as he wept on stage while giving an emotional tribute in memory of the late award-winning actor who died unexpectedly last week.

He praised Chweneyagae’s ability to perform on camera, adding that his Tsotsi role was a stark reminder of the power of unity.

“Presley was seen in the movie, by millions of people for its simple truth. As South Africans we know the dangers of division; we know the dangers of greed; the dangers of self-enrichment at the expense of others. Presley’s character on Tsotsi reminded us all of the power of unity,” explained Hood.

He portrayed Chweneyagae, as an individual who embodied strength, kindness, creativity, and achievement, saying that he effortlessly extended his heart to others in the name of meaningful partnership.

Thabiso Ramotshela, who portrays Cobra’s son in the South African television series, The River, says his heart breaks at the notion of never seeing or interacting with Chweneyagae again.

Ramotshela, who saw the late actor as a father figure, says he hopes he had had an opportunity to at least get two more seasons on set with him.

“The thought of me not being able to see him ever again – or appear on my TV screens, or even call me, or even bump into him at random places – my heart sinks. Death is so cruel and the sad thing about death is that it is unpredictable. He was full of life. Every time I see your name on the scripts I used to laugh because I knew it was gonna be a good day,” says Ramotshela.

He poured out his heart, commending Chweneyage for his influence on his acting career, claiming he is still in the acting industry because of him.

Actress Mmatshepo Sekgopi, who worked closely with Chweneyagae, believes his talent inspired many of his colleagues to improve their performance on camera.

“The craftsmanship was impeccable from Presley. We all felt obligated to pour and to minister deeply with our characters whether through laughter, emotion, or even just pure rage. That’s what thrilled the audience and a collective success the show was, which resulted in a very big cultural reset,” says Sekgopi.

She believes Chweneyagae was underappreciated and deserved more attention in the industry, referring to him as a performing arts pioneer.

She remembers the Academy Award winner as a proud native of the North West.

The late actor’s neighbours, who also attended his memorial ceremony, say he emanated kindness and humility.

“He was a very simple person. He was a sociable person. He even had respect. I remember one Fathers’ Day I was busy tidying up my garden and he came to me and gave me an alcoholic beverage bottle as a Fathers’ Day gift,” says one of the neighbours, Ntate Dube.

Speaking with a smile on his face, Ntate Dube revealed that he met Chweneyagae 10 years ago when the star first moved into their Pretoria suburb with his wife.

Ntante Dube says the actor was friendly towards him that he even invited him and his wife to his wedding a year after they met.

Some fans, who attended the event, described the award-winning actor as a relatable person.

“I knew his personality from a distance online. He jells with the youth. There is always a video of him that one could post and would melt people or jells with what how you are feeling or how you are doing,” said one fan.

“If I had problem he was one person who could guide me and tell me not to worry and things will be great after that. He was not a person who one would find angry; he always wanted to see every person happy,” added Chweneyagae’s friend.

Although the star’s passing has created a sombre feeling among many, the atmosphere at the memorial service was joyful, with many describing it as a testament to the person he was. Written by Odirile Rabolao